Church of San Tommaso

The Church of San Tommaso is a Gothic church in Pavia featuring a white marble rose window on its facade and an interior divided into two naves by cylindrical brick pillars. These sturdy columns structure the space and create a distinctive vertical rhythm throughout the building.

The building originated around 889 as a female Benedictine monastery and underwent major reconstruction in 1213. It received its final Gothic form in 1478, which remains visible today.

The Bottigella Chapel once stored sacred relics and housed an altarpiece by Vincenzo Foppa decorated with frescoes by Bernardino Lanzani. These artworks reflect the church's role as a spiritual and artistic center in the city.

The building is now part of the University of Pavia, housing academic offices and a humanities library in active use. Visitors should expect that access may be limited since it remains a working academic space with varying availability.

The building was constructed on the foundations of a Roman thermal bath, showing the long layered history of the site. It also served as the seat of the Inquisition in Pavia during the 14th century.

Location: Pavia

Inception: 1478

Architectural style: Gothic art

Part of: Convento di S. Tommaso (ex)

GPS coordinates: 45.18408,9.15648

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:25